Groups reach out to citizens for help

Graffiti and vandalism is a growing problem in Lake Havasu City — but officials and various community groups are looking to combat the problem head on.

The Development Services Department organized the second annual Community Outreach Monday night to help get the word out about issues facing the city. Several organizations, including Allied Waste, Keep Havasu Beautiful, the Mohave County Department of Public Health, The Western Arizona Humane Society and police and fire departments, provided information and answered questions at the meeting.

Officials are hoping the increased awareness will make the city a safer and more vibrant place to live. It made a positive impact on Malinda Bradley, who said she became a victim of several crimes in recent years.

“I came to see last year’s presentation and the people in these organizations helped me a great deal,” she said, adding that she had witnessed the effects of graffiti in the city. “I walk down to Rotary Park often and I’ve seen it there several times. But we have to thank our volunteer firefighters because they do a great job of getting it cleaned up quickly.”

About 25 volunteer firefighters are responsible for cleaning up the city’s graffiti and operate off of donated supplies from Sherwin Williams.

“After taking over the graffiti issue just last year, we responded to and cleaned up 22 jobs,” Volunteer Firefighter Joey Blanchard said. “This is a problem in Havasu and it’s going to get bigger if we don’t let people know about it.”

Blanchard acknowledged that ignorance could be the biggest issue in regards to graffiti and vandalism in the city.

“I didn’t know we had a problem until I became a victim myself,” he said. “I saw an opportunity in the newspaper to join the program to clean it up, and I knew it was an awesome opportunity to get out and do some good and retaliate against the people that do this.”

DSD Code Enforcement Investigator Adelita Smith presented a special recognition award to Blanchard for his dedication and hard work.

“He is always on the ball about getting things cleaned up,” she said. “He’s also always calling me to find out what he can do and he’s been a tremendous help.”

Smith said she was pleased with the turnout at the outreach but hoped more residents would contact local officials about becoming involved in various city programs.

“This is a great thing we have here for people and it would be nice if we could let people know that didn’t get a chance to come out,” she said. “People should know that so many organizations are available to answer questions and concerns and we should be thankful we have so many people interested in helping.”

Smith said the help would not be available without the members of the various organizations and she also thanked Someplace Special Bakery, Smith’s Grocery Store, Michael’s Craft Store and Safeway Grocery Store for donations and contributions.

Those with further questions on becoming involved with various programs are asked to contact Smith at 928-453-4148 ext. 4380.

You can contact the reporter at nbruttell@havasunews.com